Hand Carved UFO Stamped Greeting Card

If you’re feeling like you’re on a different planet right now, it’s a perfect time to reach out to those you love…cause we’re all feeling a bit spacey lately!

In this post we will teach you how to carve your own reusable rubber stamps to make “out of this world” bulk greeting cards. The process is super satisfying and actually easier than it looks!

What You’ll Need:

• 3 rubber carving blocks (2 need to be the same size)

• #2 Pencil

• Paper

• Printmaking paper

• Black Ink Pad

• Teal Ink Pad

• Carving tool

• -V Shaped blade

• -U Shaped blade

CREATE YOUR OWN STAMPS

• Draw UFO image and phrase – Draw a simple UFO image with a #2 pencil on a piece of paper. Trace over the image multiple times to darken the lines. This will help transfer the image onto the rubber carving block. Write out or print the word “Greetings” in a fun font and trace over multiple times. Tip: Not great at drawing? Print out clipart and trace it onto a piece of paper.

• Transfer image to rubber carving block – Carefully center and lay down the carving block on top of the image. Press down firmly. Try not to shift or slide the block. Before lifting off the image, mark the corners of the block onto the paper. Raise the block and check for a successful transfer.

• Retrace and transfer highlights to the second block – Retrace the areas that will be stamped with the teal ink. Use the marked corners on the paper to line up the second craving block and lay down on top of the image. Press down firmly. Try not to shift or slide the block. Raise the block and check for a successful transfer.

• Transfer “Greetings” to a block – Carefully center and lay down the carving block on top of the phrase and press down firmly. Try not to shift or slide the block. Tip: The phrase will transfer backwards, but don’t worry, it will stamp correctly.

CARVE OUT YOUR STAMPS

• Prep the blocks before carving – Trace all three images on the carving blocks with a permanent marker to prevent smudging while carving.

• Practice before carving – Practice making cuts in an area on the block that’s not part of the design. Push cutting tool away from yourself in long continuous lines applying even pressure. Hold carving tool at an angle parallel to the block to make shallow and horizontal cuts.

• Carve outline with V blade – Start carving the outline of the image and small details with the V blade shaped tool. Use less pressure for fine lines. Repeat with the other blocks. Tip: For curves, turn the carving block instead of the tool. Place a piece of paper under the rubber block to help make rotating easier.

• Carve out large areas with U blade – Carve any remaining areas using the U blade. Apply heavy pressure to carve the negative space around and inside the image. Repeat with the other blocks.

• Do a test print – Press each block on top of an ink pad and onto a scrap piece of paper. Carve away any unwanted raised areas. Repeat process until happy with stamp results.

STAMP YOUR CARDS

• Make your first card – Use a blank card or make your own by folding a piece of printmaking paper in half. Press the first stamp with the full outline of the UFO on top of a black inkpad. Place in the center of the card and press down. Before lifting the stamp, lightly mark the corners of the stamp on the card and let dry.  Press the second stamp in teal ink. Line up to markings and press down. Stamp “Greetings” with black ink on the top center of the card. Tip: Stamp multiple cards at every stage to save time.

• Clean stamps – When finished with your stamping session delicately wash each stamp with soap and water Tip: Do not rub while cleaning the stamp, this could breakdown the surface. Instead, pat the stamp clean and dry.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CARVE

• Push cutting tool away from yourself. Keeping other hand behind the blade.

• Carve away from the center of your design so if the tool slips it won’t ruin your work.

• Carve in long continues lines as much as possible applying even pressure.

• For curves, turn the carving block instead of the tool. Place a piece of paper under the rubber block to help make rotating easier.

• Use less pressure for fine lines, use heavy pressure for wider cuts.